Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 vs Chris-Craft Launch 28 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 against a modified vee Chris-Craft Launch 28 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 at 29,0 ft versus Chris-Craft Launch 28 2011 at 27,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 tips the scales at 8 387 lbs — 8 312 lbs more than the Chris-Craft Launch 28 2011 at 75 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 and Chris-Craft Launch 28 2011 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeChris-Craft
MakeChris-Craft
ModelCatalina 29 Express
ModelLaunch 28
Model Year2009
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam10 ft. 2 in. (3.1 m)
Beam10 ft. (3.05 m)
Beam - Meters3.1
Beam - Meters3.05
Beam - Inches122
Beam - Inches12
Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. (3 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 6 in. (1.34 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters3.05
Bridge clearance - Meters1.37
Bridge clearance - Inches12
Bridge clearance - Inches54
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise20℃
Draft [max] - Detail21 in. (61 cm)
Draft [max] - DetailSingle Engine: 25 in. (89 cm) Twin Engine: 33.5 in. (85 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.53
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Inches21
Draft [max] - Inches33.5
Weight - Detail7,179 lbs. (3,256 kg) With engine: 8,387 lbs. (3,804 kg)
Weight - Detail7,500 lbs. (3,402 kg)
Weight - kg3804.28
Weight - kg3401.94
Weight - lbs.8387
Weight - lbs.75
Height - Detail11 ft. 8 in. (3.5 m )
Height - Detail6 ft. 5 in. (1.96 m)
Height - Meters3.56
Height - Meters1.96
Height - Inches14
Height - Inches77
Length - Meters8.9
Length - Meters8.48
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet27.83
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 5 in. (8.9 m)
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 10 in. (8.48 m)
Length overall - Meters8.97
Length overall - Meters8.48
Length overall - Inches353
Length overall - Inches334
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - DetailSingle Engine: 17 in. (48.3 cm) Twin Engine: 20 in. (50.8 cm)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.51
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches2
Length [at waterline]not available
Length [at waterline]23 ft. 1 in. (6.98 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 8 in. (9 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail205 gal. (776 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail150 gal. (568 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters776.01
Fuel tank capacity - Liters567.81
Fuel tank capacity - Gal205
Fuel tank capacity - Gal15
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeOutboard - Twin
Drive typeI/O
Operational Info
Water capacity30 gal. (113 l)
Water capacity35 gal. (132 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail10 gal. (38 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters37.85
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal1